It all began at the kitchen table as our 6-year-old and I drew decorations for her 7th birthday party. Side-by-side we sketched and dreamed. We created fairy cupcake toppers from my sketches—made that special day, when the celebration making began. The children helped cut and assemble all of our handmade party decorations—a magical time together as special as the birthday party itself.
And, it made me think.
Preparing for our small, simple homemade birthdays brings as much joy to impending celebrations as the party itself. So much dreaming and planning and wishing from the birthday child. Our children have always chosen how they will decorate, or will choose a birthday theme if they wish. And, really all the making, baking and decorating felt like such a big part of this only-comes-once-a-year very specially made event.
And, I wished all children had the chance to be a part of making their own celebration—
I wished families busier than ours could have handmade birthdays too. That families wouldn't have to book expensive party places to host their parties. I wished to hear children laughing while playing the classic pin-the-tail on the donkey game, and gunny sack and three-legged race games like they once did.
And, then, I knew a way to share our handmade birthday joys. I made our own birthday celebrations into kits—simple birthday printable kits that give the joy of helping to create, and excitedly anticipate, their own celebrations—back to children. And, even to bring parties back to the place where memories were once always created when celebrating special occasions—at home.
tips for a simple, homemade birthday
1 • Plan far ahead—beginning long before the birthday party day, lets you and your child prepare with calm joy—and no last minute stress.
2 • Let your child help as much as possible. Let them be a part of making their own celebration.
3 • A party to remember doesn't have to cost a lot of money. Focus on one area—like the dining room table. Display the cupcakes or cake on the table, with this area decorated grandly. One emphasis will elicit surprise and awe from the children, without having to decorate the whole room or home.
4 • A homemade party does not have to be all homemade. I love to bake made-from-scratch cupcakes or cake; but I buy fun finger foods for the children. Our favorites are baby carrots, crackers, cheese, grapes and mini whole wheat bagels.
5 • Plan for a few old fashioned party games, if you wish. You may have supplies set up for an art project or face painting—but, simple free play time is loved by the children too. Find many more of our birthday ideas in simplifying celebrations: a pretty party—
• • • • • • • • • •
• bug party • fairy party • bee party • straw toppers • banners • cupcake toppers •
• classic train party decorations • invitations • thank you cards • cupcake wrappers •
—and more in our shop and more as I make them.
Enjoy our handmade printable party decorations and more.
heather cahoon • wordplayhouse®
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